Today: May 2023 luxury travel news

Every last Friday of the month, you can read my news round-up of what’s happening in the world of luxury travel. In this issue:

1. Hawaiian Airlines unveils its new Business Class
2. The St Regis Chicago, USA, is now open
3. Rosewood announces a luxury hotel in Seoul, South Korea
4. Air New Zealand will debut its Skynest sleep pods in September 2024
5. InterContinental will open a château hotel near Paris, France
6. Qatar Airways resumes its longest flight (Doha to Auckland)
7. All Emirates passengers can now avail of free Wi-Fi connectivity onboard
8. Saudi Arabia Airlines launches a new Business Class seat
9. South African Airways will resume longhaul flights
10. Six Senses announces its first resort in Greece

1. Hawaiian Airlines unveils its new Business Class

Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiʻi’s hometown carrier since 1929, has unveiled the interior of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Guests onboard Hawaiian’s 787 – entering service beginning early next year on select routes – will be immersed in cabin design elements that evoke Hawaiʻi’s rich natural world through bold textures, island-inspired sunrise and sunset lighting and sinuous ocean and wind patterns. Hawaiian’s 300-seat 787 features its newest premium product, Leihōkū (garland of stars): 34 suites that envelop guests in a tranquil, elegant space with fully lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal outlets, wireless charging and direct aisle access. Set in a 1-2-1 configuration with doors, the suites can offer privacy or a shared experience, with combined double seats allowing couples to fall asleep while gazing at a starlit ceiling. Each design element of Hawaiian’s 787 thoughtfully celebrates Polynesian navigators who sailed the Pacific by observing the stars, sun, winds, waves and wildlife. The airline worked with design consultant Teague to realize Hawaiian’s vision of honoring Pacific navigation in a modern aircraft.

2. The St Regis Chicago is now open

Located in the idyllic Lakeshore East neighborhood, The St. Regis Chicago offers easy access to the Chicago River and is a short walk from the city’s leading luxury retailers, dining destinations, and notable cultural landmarks such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the famed Magnificent Mile. Making its own mark on the city’s cultural landscape, The St. Regis Chicago is housed in a 101-story tower, the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect. The skyscraper features a unique and distinctive design composed of an interconnected series of stacked, frustum-shapes that move rhythmically in and out of plane and extend to various heights. Throughout the hotel’s public areas, metallic materials and colors, such as copper and rust, are interwoven with geometric, angular lines, offering a nod to The Great Chicago Fire and the city’s geographic interconnectivity of waterways, buildings, and green spaces. The property features 159 luxurious guestrooms and 33 exquisite suites across 11 floors, as well as several high-end dining outlets, spa, gym, meetings rooms and a palatial, heated indoor pool.

3. Rosewood announces a luxury hotel in Seoul, South Korea

Situated beside Yongsan Park in the heart of the city, Rosewood Seoul will exist within The Parkside Seoul, a development occupying the former site of the United Nations Command. The mixed-use neighborhood will also include high-end retail and residences connected by expansive outdoor spaces, creating a new environment for activity and human interaction. Inspired by Seoul’s famed architecture, known for its futuristic lines and eye-catching facades, the new hotel will blend seamlessly into the sleek and contemporary skyline of the city. Designed by renowned interior design firm Space Copenhagen, Rosewood Seoul will feature approximately 250 rooms and suites, amongst the largest in the city. An urban resort in its own right, the property will boast a selection of amenities, including seven restaurants and bars and comprehensive wellness facilities. Curated to welcome both guests and locals, these offerings will also transform the hospitality landscape for residents. Rosewood Seoul – set to open in 2027 – will also be home to an Asaya, Rosewood’s comprehensive wellness concept focused on the intersections between physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

4. Air New Zealand will debut its Skynest sleep pods in September 2024

Air New Zealand‘s innovative Economy Skynest will be launching on ultra-long haul flights in September 2024, starting with the popular Auckland – New York and Auckland – Chicago routes. The announcement was made at TRENZ – New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event – where a real-life Skynest experience was available for the first time. The Skynest will be a six-pod configured sleep zone that offers sessions for Economy Class passengers to lie down when travelling long haul. Each pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs, a separate reading light, personal device USB outlet, ventilation outlet, and lighting designed for rest. Each passenger will be limited to one session, with families travelling on the same ticket able to book a session for each passenger, pending availability. The Skynest will be located between Premium Economy and Economy, and the bedding will be changed between each session (a 30-minute transition time will be allowed for this). The lights will gently come on at the end of each session, and crew will politely wake any passengers who sleep through this. The price will be around $400 to $600 USD for a 4-hour period.

5. InterContinental will open a château hotel near Paris, France

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of InterContinental Chantilly – Château Mont Royal – the latest château property within its growing luxury & lifestyle portfolio in France. The historic 107-key château will join the likes of InterContinental Paris Le Grand and InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu – alongside three other InterContinental properties in Paris, Bordeaux and Marselle – as a flagship hotel for the brand in the country when it welcomes guests – following renovation – in 2024. Built in the early 20th century and showcasing Louis XVI style architecture, InterContinental Chantilly – Château Mont Royal will feature two restaurants, a bar and a summer terrace where guests may enjoy long, light nights and scenic views, as well as 11 meeting rooms, a gym, sauna, jacuzzi and treatment rooms alongside an indoor swimming pool and tennis court. Situated just 30 min from the French capital and 20 minutes from Charles de Gaulle Airport, the hotel’s location makes it the ideal destination for leisure guests or corporate groups seeking to combine city sightseeing with the many historic and picturesque sights of Chantilly and its surroundings.

6. Qatar Airways resumes its longest flight (Doha to Auckland)

7. All Emirates passengers can now avail of free Wi-Fi connectivity onboard

A recent enhancement to Emirates’ inflight connectivity means that all Emirates passengers in every class of travel can enjoy free app messaging once they sign up to Emirates Skywards. Additionally, First Class passengers will have unlimited free internet if they are Skywards members, enabling them to shop or work online while inflight, as will Silver, Gold and Platinum Skywards members traveling in Business Class. Platinum Skywards members have complimentary internet access in all classes.Emirates also announced that it will offer new high-speed, inflight broadband powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, onboard 50 new Airbus A350 aircraft – scheduled to enter service in 2024. The new agreement will significantly improve the passenger experience with enhanced connectivity and greater global coverage, even on flights over the Arctic. The Airbus A350s will be the first Emirates aircraft to take advantage of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network, which powers the world’s first and only globally available broadband network, ensuring passengers can enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity, no matter their destination, including the North Pole.

8. Saudi Arabian Airlines launches a new Business Class seat

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has unveiled its latest state-of-the-art business seat, which will be fitted on the airline’s new Airbus A321 XLR aircraft. The VantageSOLO suite provides significantly more privacy than previous business class seats, with a privacy shield around the back and an additional door at the aisle. The spacious seats can be reclined fully into bed mode, whilst the suite also features an 18” screen for enhanced viewing, and increased storage space. SAUDIA CEO, Captain Ibrahim Koshy, said: “At SAUDIA we are deeply committed to finding new and innovative ways to further enhance our renowned guest experience. We firmly believe that the VantageSOLO suite represents the epitome of comfort, privacy and luxury. Our new business class offering is the embodiment of SAUDIA’s dedication to constantly evolving its products and services to deliver a superior customer journey underpinned by the very latest technological developments.” The new Airbus A321 XLR aircraft will cover destinations across Europe, the Indian subcontinent and Africa including Milan, Barcelona, Brussels, Rome, the Maldives, and Dakar.

9. South African Airways will resume longhaul flights

South African Airways announced that it has been given the green light for a significant expansion of its fleet. This paves the way for South Africa’s national carrier to relaunch international routes and increase seat capacity for its regional and domestic destinations. Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, says the airline’s plan to lease six new aircraft has been approved by the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Public Enterprises. “The aircraft will be delivered before the end of this calendar year, and the planes include a wide-body aircraft as well as five narrow-body aircraft – all of them Airbus equipment,” Lamola said. “We are excited, as SAA, to lay the groundwork for the relaunch of our first international route since coming out of business rescue and since the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We will announce the new route in the coming few weeks, and we will open commercial marketing and sales for it.” Lamola says the terms and conditions attached to the deals for the new aircraft are along the same competitive, transparent, and cost-effective lines that have characterised the ‘new’ SAA since it emerged from Business Rescue in September 2021.

10. Six Senses announces its first resort in Greece

Six Senses‘ first Greek resort will be located on a southerly white-sand cove on Megalonisos, one of the 10 Petalioi islands and islets with some of the finest undiscovered beaches in the “Greek Maldives”. Six Senses Megalonisos will be a short boat ride from the port of Rafina, just across the mainland from Athens, or Marmari on Evia’s West coast. Whereas the island of Evia or Euboea was said to have been separated from mainland Greece by a strike from Poseidon’s trident, the childhood home of Goddess Hera, and the battleground for the Titans versus the Giants, the tranquil and secluded Megalonisos has been left by history and mythology to snooze in the sun. There will be 75 guest villas and 20 branded residences for sale, all unobtrusively blending into the contours of the bay. The three restaurants will include all-day dining, a beach bar and grill, and a specialty sunset bar. There will also be a pastry café, perfect for a coffee after a morning dip or sun salutation, along with a boutique. A Six Senses Spa will offer multiple treatment rooms, including four double sensory suites, a Watsu for a range of hydro therapies, and a Hammam for a warm herbal steam and body scrub.

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The post Travel news: this month (May 2023) in luxury travel appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today: Review of Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin (Germany)

• Location: Google maps
• Hotel website: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

The legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, first built in 1907 and located right next to the Brandenburg Gate, regained its status as Germany’s most prestigious hotel after its reopening in 1997. This is the meeting place for heads of state, royals, politicians, stars, intellectuals, artists, designers and entrepreneurs, and last but not least, the Berliners themselves. Business and leisure travelers find respite in the hotel’s 307 guest rooms and 78 diverse luxury suites with opulent designs and unique stories. The illustrious Restaurant Quarré (with summer terrace) and the two-Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer impress with inspiring menus and spectacular views of Brandenburg Gate. More exciting dining experiences await in the pan-Asian Sra Bua and in the Lobby bar, known as the most vibrant living room in Berlin. The Adlon Spa by Resense offers a lovely retreat from the busy city.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Germany.

Have you ever stayed at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin enjoys a terrific location right next to the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin’s most famous landmark and a must-see for all visitors. The large sandstone gate was commissioned by King Frederick William II in the 18th century as a dignified conclusion of the magnificent boulevard Unter den Linde. The Brandenburg Gate used to be a memorial of division: after the construction of the Berlin Wall, it was located in a restricted area and could not be visited by East or West Germans. After the fall of the Wall, the gate became a national symbol of peace and unity. The hotel is also close to several other top attractions in the city, such as the Reichstag, the Potsdamer Platz and the Holocaust Memorial (which are only a stroll away). The property is easily accessible by car, taxi or public transport.

• The name Adlon never referred simply to a hotel; it always meant the Berlin institution, literally the first address in the city’s centersquare by the Brandenburg Gate. The hotel owes its name to the original owner, Lorenz Adlon. He opened the Adlon with the support of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1907, and it quickly became known as the best and most famous hotel in Germany. Adlon’s vision was to create a superlative hotel that set standards for the future of the hotel industry. Guests from all over the world were enthusiastic about the comfortable amenities of this hotel, such as hot running water, electric power and a cooling system connected to a well. The building of the Adlon, which had survived both World Wars unscathed until it burnt down in early May 1945, was later demolished. But the name lived on in the minds of Berliners, and not just Berliners. The “Adlon” endured, it remained a legend and appeared regularly in stories, books and memories.

• When the reunified city of Berlin started a new era in the early nineties, the “Adlon” was one of the first striking buildings to rise again. Architects Patzschke, Klotz and Parter modeled their design largely on the original hotel but added two extra storeys. The building was financed by Fundus-Fonds-Verwaltungen GmbH in Cologne, and Kempinski was given a long-term lease contract. The hotel was officially opened by German President Roman Herzog on 23 August 1997. The Adlon Hotel at the Brandenburg Gate soon regained its popularity as a meeting place for international guests from the worlds of politics, business and show business. The property particularly established itself as a residence for state visits over the past 25 years. To provide these guests with even more comfort and the highest quality standards, the luxury hotel has been constantly refurbished and extended in recent years.

• Today, Hotel Adlon Kempinksi Berlin reflects the classic style of its historic predecessor, which is evident the moment you step inside the grand lobby. Crowned by a stained glass and gold leaf cupola, the multi-storey, oval-shaped lobby features timeless design elements, such as selected antiques, a Murano glass chandelier, a majestic marble staircase, and fine materials such as limestone, leather, brass and onyx. The lobby houses a lively lounge, one of Berlin’s most elegant social hubs and a popular spot for afternoon tea. Flanked on one side by the reception & concierge desks and on the other side by a magnificent bar, the lounge features dozens of armchairs and lounges which are arranged around an elephant fountain. This structure is an exact replica of the original historic piece, a present from the Maharadja of Patiala who particulary well known for his lavish lifestyle.

• With a total of 307 rooms and 78 suites, including three Presidential Suites, the “Grand Hotel” at the Brandenburg Gate offers the largest range of suites in Germany. During my visit, I was upgraded to Pariser Platz Suite on the hotel’s second floor. The luxurious and spacious suite featured a separate living and sleeping area, both enjoying wonderful views of the Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz. Classically elegant in design, the suite was furnished with mahogany panelling and fabrics. Fitted in black granite and light marble, the main bathroom was equipped with double vanity, bathtub and shower. There was also a second, smaller bathroom that came with one sink, a shower, and a sauna. Welcome amenities included a bottle of wine, fresh fruits, macarons, and a chocolate miniature of the hotel.

• Since the hotel’s opening in 1907, fine dining has always been a key element in the Adlon’s tradition of gracious hospitality. Even the legendary hotel’s founder, Lorenz Adlon, sang the praises of “the comforts and pleasures of indulgence”. Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin houses several restaurants:
  • Established as Berlin‘s finest gourmet venue, the two Michelin restaurant starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer offers a sophisticated and exciting culinary experience with a splendid view of the capital‘s landmark, the Brandenburg Gate. Chef Reto Brändli creates surprising and modern aromatic cuisine based on classic French cuisine with Asian influences. Head Sommelier Hans-Martin Konrad charmingly complements the culinary delights with a selection of unexpected rarities and discoveries from the extensive wine list.
  • Located on the hotel’s ground floor and facing the Brandenburger Gate is Brasserie Quarré, which serves German and French specialities. The menu features, for example, a Caviar tasting with classic side dishes, Bouillabaise, Adlon tartare or the Berlin veal liver. In summer, the bistro’s spacious terrace with a unique view of the Brandenburg Gate offers the perfect setting for a pleasant stay.
  • On the hotel’s first floor is Bel Etage Restaurant, which offers an extensive breakfast buffet or on weekends the Adlon afternoon tea with a unique view of the lobby with the elephant fountain.

• Hotel Aldon Kempinksi Berlin is home to an intimate wellness center. Called the Adlon Spa by Resense, the space features a welcoming reception area, with a fireplace and illuminated walls made of Alabaster. The spa offers exclusive beauty treatments, massages and therapeutic programs. Adlon Spa’s latest care range by Resense, la prairie, is a unique combination of pure luxury ingredients to pamper the senses. The world-famous premium brand from Switzerland stands for timeless beauty and sets standards in the luxury cosmetic industry with innovate skin care collections. All la prairie treatments focus on visible anti-ageing results and the physical and mental well-being of the guest. In addition to the Adlon Spa by Resense, the hotel offers a heated pool, a whirlpool, a sauna and a steam room as well as a fitness center with state-of-the-art training equipment.

• When you stay at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, you will follow in the footsteps of heads of state, royals, politicians, stars, intellectuals, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. The historical guest list right after the opening of the first hotel reads like a “Who is who” of the then celebrities: Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin, John Davison Rockefeller and Franklin D. Roosevelt all stayed at the hotel. After its rebuilding, the hotel hosted many other dignitaries and celebrities, such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Dalai Lama. The Adlon Hotel was also the very spot where Michael Jackson famously hung his son Prince Michael II over the railings in an alleged effort to further connect with his fans below, and where Angela Merkel and Barack Obama enjoyed an intimate dinner date following the US president’s famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate.

• Hotel Adlon has been part of the European luxury hotel chain Kempinski since 1997. From Berthold Kempinski’s humble roots as a Berlin-based wine merchant back in 1897, the Kempinski brand has come a long way and the group currently operates more than 80 five-star hotels and residences in more than 30 countries. With heritage hotels, luxury holiday resorts, business and spa hotels around the world, every Kempinski hotel is unique, designed for guests who value five-star holidays and luxury getaways. Kempinski is also a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) which was founded in Geneva in 2004. Members of GHA’s Discovery loyalty program receive recognition and rewards across more than 570 hotels, resorts, palaces and spas in 35 brands of hotels across 85 countries.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

• Hotel Adlon Kempinksi Berlin is a fairly new hotel, built in the nineties, and modeled on its historic predecessor (which was destroyed in a fire). The designers choose for a classic decor, honoring the Adlon’s reputation as one of Europe’s Grand Hotels and creating an ambiance of nostalgia. However, the traditional decor won’t appeal to everyone. While the lobby and some other areas (such as the restaurants) have a slightly more modern and timeless feel, the decor of the rooms and also the wellness & fitness areas around the indoor pool feel a bit dated compared to today’s hotel standards. IMHO, a refurbishment of the rooms would be welcome in the near future, although I don’t think the hotel feels much pressure to do so, since its reputation as Berlin’s top hotel is solid (due to its location, Michelin starred dining and exceptional soft product) and since there is not much competition from other hotels in the German capital.

• Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin offers a wide variety of rooms of suites. While the top room & suites offer gorgeous views of the Brandenburg Gate, the entry level rooms lack views as they look out over a courtyard.

• Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin offers one of the most impressive breakfast spreads I’ve ever seen at a hotel (the buffet even includes caviar). But the service can be a little chaotic during times of high occupancy, which is often the case during weekends. For example, during my stay, the breakfast restaurant on the lobby’s first level closed earlier to prepare for Sunday brunch; guests who arrived a bit late were redirected to Brasserie Quarré on the ground floor, which offered a smaller yet still excellent breakfast buffet. Unfortunately, there was a long wait to be seated at Brasserie Quarré (more than 20 minutes), which was rather annoying, since the hotel should have been prepared for this situation (as I assume it often happens on Sundays). It was a mystery to me why the staff did not solve this problem by seating guests in the adjoining lobby lounge (which was completely empty as we were waiting in the breakfast line).

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 7/10
• Pool: 8/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 9/10
• Breakfast: 9/10
• Spa: 8/10
• Service: 9/10
• Value for money: 8/10
• Overall experience: very good 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin (and/or receive many free perks).

• Room tip: as mentioned above, entry level rooms lack views as they look out over a courtyard, so make sure to book a room with a view if that is what you are looking for.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Berlin is best visited between April and May (spring) or September through November (autumn), right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. You’ll contend with fewer tourists, enjoy somewhat mild temperatures (the city’s weather is notoriously finicky), and also experience Berlin as the locals do, at its laid-back best.

HOW TO GET THERE

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is the heart of Berlin’s city center. By taxi and public transport from Berlin Airport to Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, the trip takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately EUR 55 by taxi and EUR 4 by public transport. The best way to reach the hotel by public transport is on the “Brandenburger Tor” stop (S-Bahn).

PHOTOS

Below is a selection of my photos of Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin. To view more photos (including breakfast as well as dinner at two Michelin restaurant starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer), click here.

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The post Review: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in Germany

Ranking as the eigth most visited country in the world according to World Tourist Organization, Germany attracts tens of millions of visitors each year to its cathedrals, rococo palaces, beer festivals, mountain peaks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and great cities (Berlin, Munich and Hamburg among them). With historic fairy tale castles, medieval villages, and idyllic natural landscapes, it’s sometimes hard to believe that most of Germany was virtually entirely rebuilt after the Second World War, although the past is very much present wherever you go. Few countries have had (and still have) as much impact on the planet as Germany, which is one of the world’s largest economies and was the birth place of the Reformation, the printing press, the car industry, and aspirin. Germany has also given us (in)famous citizens such as Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, and yes, Hitler, but also Goethe, Beethoven, and the Brothers Grimm. To help you choose from the overwhelming offer of luxury hotels, I have compiled a top 10 list with the best hotels in Germany.

There is more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel in Germany in the comments section!

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10. BREIDENBACHER HOF, DÜSSELDORF

The Breidenbacher Hof – a former Capella hotel – is located in Altstadt Duesseldorf on the Koenigsallee, Dusseldorf’s premier shopping street. The hotel is an opulent 2008 reincarnation of a 200-year-old grande dame. As one of the most recognized hotels on the Rhine, Breidenbacher Hof transports its guests into a world of rare elegance, where the energy of today intermingles seamlessly with the architecture and beauty of the past. During the golden age of luxury travel, the Breidenbacher Hof hosted kings and czars and German nobility. As the country rose to power in the 20th century, the hotel set the standard throughout Europe for grandeur and elegance. The original structure was destroyed in 1943, and the property has been rebuilt twice – in 1950 and again in 2008. By taking the influence of turn-of-the-century architecture and melding it with modern, contemporary design, the hotel brings an unforgettable character to each of the 95 extended stay guestrooms and suites.

• Hotel website: Breidenbacher Hof
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, free WiFi, and a 3 course lunch for two at the signature restaurant once per stay).

9. THE FAIRMONT HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN, HAMBURG

The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is the essence of what is understood to be a Grand Hotel in the European tradition, offering an experience rich in spectacular historic charm and great luxury. Prominently located on the western side of the Inner Alster Lake shore in Germany, The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten lies in the heart of the prime retail and commercial district of Germany. All 156 guest rooms and suites are refurbished and equipped with the newest state-of-the-art technique, refitted to the highest standards in an amazingly young and detailed design with the highest level of luxury and elegance. The hotel’s four exquisite restaurants and bars offer a large choice of delicious dishes and drinks, satisfying diverse tastes. Over the rooftops of Hamburg extends the modern wellness oasis at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.

• Hotel website: Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

8. KEMPINSKI HOTEL BERCHTESGADEN, BAVARIAN ALPS

Being in the mountains is the purest form of exploration, and the Bavarian Alps have always held an irresistible attraction. A unique blend of five-star luxury, Bavarian hospitality and Alpine lifestyle make Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden one of the most special locations. Here, high in the mountains, glorious, panoramic views of the postcard-perfect scenery await, combined with the advantages of a mountain resort: the lovely Kempinski the Spa including indoor and outdoor pool area, awarded restaurants (1 Michelin star), kids club, 9 hole golf course, ski-i/ski-out access and a helipad. Exceptionally comfortable, the 138 rooms and suites radiate warmth and contemporary flair, all while offering guests a unique view over the beautiful mountain surroundings of the hotel. Families, couples, foodies, spa lovers, sport devotees and car enthusiasts praise the countless leisure opportunities available in this spectacular Bavarian setting.

• Hotel website: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade confirmed at the time of booking, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay, and Virtuoso guests confirming a Maisonette Suite or above enjoy an additional $100 USD spa credit).

7. MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

Mandarin Oriental, Munich is a calm refuge of Neo-Renaissance charm and elegance, providing the highest levels of personalized service. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Munich, within the city’s old town, surrounded by museums, the Bavarian Opera House, and theaters, and near the shopping street Maximilansstrasse and the famous Hofbraeuhaus (beer hall and gardens). The spacious 48 guestrooms and 25 suites were refurbished in 2015 and offer the finest in contemporary luxury, as does the stunning rooftop pool which offers views that stretch across the picturesque surroundings of the old town district towards the Alps. On the first floor, atop the majestic curved staircare, Matsuhisa, Munich symbolizes the introduction of the award-winning cuisine of internationally celebrated Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to Munich and Germany (the menu includes the famous Black Cod, Yellowtail Sashimi Jalapeno and Nobu’s Tacos).

• Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental, Munich
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit to be utilized during your stay).
• Review: read my review of The Mandarin Oriental Munich here.

6. SCHLOSS ELMAU, BAVARIAN ALPS

Nestled into the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Elmau offers a unique spa and cultural experience in a nature sanctuary. The castle is also a perfect base for year-round sports and to discover all of the fairy tale palaces of King Ludwig II, his favorite being only a three-hour hike away. The hotel celebrates the luxury of space and privacy in five restaurants, several lounges and four separate spas for adults and families as well as regular classical music and jazz concerts with some of the greatest artists of our time. Grand yet intimate interiors of the 94-year-old castle, which was rebuilt in 2007, blend subtle Oriental influences with the beauty of the pristine surroundings. Guests feel thoroughly at home in the luxuriously designed rooms & suites, which offer a liberating sense of space & privacy, some of them opening up to breathtaking views of the Wetterstein Mountain Range.

• Hotel website: Schloss Elmau
• Tip: get comlpimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit to be utilized during your stay).

5. HOTEL ADLON KEMPINSKI BERLIN

The legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, first built in 1907 and located right next to the Brandenburg Gate, regained its status as Germany’s most prestigious hotel after its reopening in 1997. This is the meeting place for heads of state, royals, politicians, stars and starlets, intellectuals, artists, designers and entrepreneurs, and last but not least, the Berliners themselves. Business and leisure travelers find respite in the hotel’s 307 guest rooms and 78 diverse luxury suites with opulent designs and unique stories. The illustrious Restaurant Quarré (with summer terrace) and the two-Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer impress with inspiring menus and spectacular views of Brandenburg Gate. More exciting dining experiences await in the pan-Asian Sra Bua and in the Lobby bar, known as the most vibrant living room in Berlin. The Adlon Spa by Resense offers a lovely retreat from the busy city.

• Hotel website: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. confirmed room upgrade at the time of booking, daily breakfast, early check-in, guaranteed late check-out till 2 pm, seasonal welcome amenity, free phone calls, and 80 Euro hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).
• Review: read my review of Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin here.

4. THE FONTENAY HAMBURG

In 1816, Hamburg-based shipbroker John Fontenay acquired a unique plot of land on the beautiful shores of the Alster lake in the heart of the city. Today, it is the site of the Fontenay Hotel, which offers lakeside luxury at its best. The Fontenay is a reflection of modern Hamburg: open-minded, cosmopolitan and exceptionally welcoming. A homage to the Hanseatic city, the luxury hotel is tailor-made for the many national and international visitors who come to discover and rediscover Hamburg. The hotel’s Hamburg-born star architect Jan Störmer titled his initial drawings ‘timelessly modern, modern classic’ and his fascinating, sculpture-like architecture mirrors the fluid lines of the lake and surrounding parkland, creating the perfect balance between nature and urbanity. Flooded with daylight, all 131 rooms and suites feature parquet flooring, walk-in closets and balconies, primarily with lake views.

• Hotel website: The Fontenay Hamburg
• Other accolades: The Fontenay Hamburg also features in my top 10 list of the best new luxury hotels of 2017.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).
• Review: read my review of The Fontenay Hamburg here.

3. THE RITZ-CARLTON WOLFSBURG

The architecturally renowned Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg is the most elegant hotel in Germany’s most prosperous city, which is home to Volkswagen’s worldwide headquarters. Adjacent to the Volkswagen factory, the hotel demands that you swot up on pioneering architecture before you arrive. Armed with the right terminology, you’ll be primed to describe the style nuances of the hotel’s interior designer Elliott Barnes. It will also help keep your mouth closed when you see the hotel’s jaw-dropping floating pool. Inspired by an industry that thrives on mobility, this luxury hotel embraces fast-forward motion with high-tech surroundings and a contemporary aesthetic while still providing an array of opportunities for guests to relax in 170 stylish guest rooms and exclusive suites, a soothing  spa, and an award-winning restaurants, including the 3-Star Michelin-rated AQUA, the epitome of modern European dining.

• Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg

2. ALTHOFF SEEHOTEL ÜBERFAHRT, BAVARIAN ALPS

This elegant nature resort on the banks of Lake Tegernsee is situated only 45 minutes from Munich in the most beautiful Alpine nature. Here you can experience one of Germany’s most beautiful year-round leisure destinations. Whether you wish to relax and unwind, actively enjoy nature, blend in with the jet set, do sports, or experience the most authentic cultural highlights, the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt is an ideal starting point for all kinds of holiday pleasures. This wonderful retreat, directly by the lake, awaits with newly refurbished rooms and suites in a stylish design; outstanding culinary delights in five different restaurants, including the creative cuisine of one of the world’s best three-Michelin-starred chefs, Christian Jürgens; and a 32,000-square-foot luxury 4 Elements Spa by Althoff, featuring Europe’s first all-suite spa.

• Hotel website: Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

1. BRENNERS PARK-HOTEL & SPA, BADEN-BADEN

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, an Oetker Collection hotel, has been a place of relaxation and diversion for the traveling elite since 1872. Here guests can enjoy all that Baden-Baden is renowned for with one of the most advanced spas in Europe, offering luxurious therapy and longterm cures while surrounded by refreshing natural parkland and high culture. Situated in a large, private park facing the famous Lichtentaler Allee, Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden radiates the ambiance of a private estate for the well-heeled guest. One hundred rooms combine luxury and comfort with elegant furnishing such as antiques and Carrara marble bathrooms. Standard rooms have views of the Lichtentaler Allee, while deluxe rooms have vistas of the Oos River. The best rooms are the deluxe rooms, which are more spacious.  Guests have a variety of dining options including the revamped Wintergarten, where health-conscious Mediterranean dishes are served with views of Brenner’s Park.

• Hotel website: Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Top 10 best luxury hotels in Germany appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Last February, I enjoyed a sublime holiday that I will remember as my most epic journey ever: a trip to Cape Town (South Africa) and Antarctica (the 7th Continent). You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: KLM Boeing 787 Business Class from Amsterdam to Cape Town
• Review: One&Only Cape Town, South Africa
• Review: The Silo Hotel Cape Town, South Africa
• Review: Private Airbus A340 First Class flight from Cape Town to Antarctica
• Review: Echo Camp by White Desert, Antarctica 
• Review: Private Airbus A340 First Class flight from Antarctica to Cape Town
• Review: KLM Boeing 777 Business Class from Cape Town to Amsterdam (today)

Today: KLM Boeing 777 Business Class from Cape Town to Amsterdam

Last February, I flew Business Class in a KLM Boeing 777-200ER from Cape Town (South Africa) to Amsterdam (The Netherlands). KLM names its B777 airplanes after world heritage sites, and this particular airframe was nicknamed Mount Kilimanjaro. As always, I loved my flight experience with KLM: the service was courteous, the food was decent, and the onboard product focused on Dutch design & history which I love (e.g. Marcel Wanders tableware, Jan Taminiau amenty kit, and miniature Dutch houses). That said, KLM’s Boeing 777s feature a 2-2-2 layout, which feels dated compared to other Business Class products, although the seat is still one of the widest and most comfortable Business Class in the skies. The carrier is currently refurbishing its B777 aircraft and replacing the old product by new Business Class seats with sliding doors which are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout.

Have you ever flown with KLM? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

• Trip: Cape Town (CPT) to Amsterdam (AMS)
• Airline: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Aircraft type: Boeing 777-ER
• Aircraft registration number: PH-BQK (nicknamed Mount Kilimanjaro)
• On time departure: 1 am (yes)
• On time arrival: 11 am (yes)
• Miles: 6020 miles (9790 km)
• Flight time: 11 hours
• Seat: 1K
• Class: Business Class

In this review (more information & photos below my Youtube clip & slideshow):

1. Facts & figures about KLM
2. Lounge at Cape Town Airport
3. Business Class cabin
4. Business Class seat (+ best & worst seats)
5. Amenities & bedding
6. Meals
7. Entertainment
8. Onboard internet
9. Gift: KLM Delft Blue House
10. Other inflight experiences
11. My verdict (score)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUaTGz2eUN0

1. FACTS & FIGURES ABOUT KLM

• Founded on October 7, 1919, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the oldest scheduled airline in the world still operating under its original name.
• Employing 35.000 staff from its Amsterdam basis. KLM is the third-largest employer in the Netherlands.
• Besides the well-known KLM airline, the KLM Group also includes the wholly owned subsidiaries Transaviaand Martinair. Transavia is the leading low-cost carrier from The Netherlands operating from Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Rotterdam. Martinair focuses on airfreight, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance.
• On May 6, 2004 KLM merged with Air France. The Air France-KLM group is operating as one company in which the two airlines keep their brand identifies, both with a focus on three core businesses (passenger, cargo business and engineering & maintenance). Air France-KLM is the world’s 5th largest airline by company revenue.
• KLM was the first airline to use biofuels on commercial flights: on June 29 2011, a KLM Boeing 737-800 carried 171 passengers from Amsterdam to Paris, burning a 50/50 blend of traditional jet fuel and used cooking oil. Together with its venture SkyNRG, KLM introduced the world’s first Corporate BioFuel Program through which companies can use sustainable biofuels for parts of employees’ flights, thereby stimulating the further development of a market for biofuels.
• KLM ’employs’ a famous co-pilot: Dutch King Willam Alexander. The 56-year-old father of three and monarch to 17 million Dutch citizens calls flying a ‘hobby’ and has been piloting KLM aircraft for years, albeit under the radar (not literally of course). The King is trained to fly B737s, and when he makes pilot announcements, he does so anonymously.
• The KLM fleet is comprised 107 aircraft, of which 62 long-haul aircraft and 45 medium-haul aircraft. The aircraft in the fleet have an average age of 9 years, with 10.7 years for the long-haul fleet and 16,1 years for the medium-haul fleet.
• KLM names its aircraft after city squares worldwide (A330s), birds (B737s), UNESCO world heritage sites (B777s), world cities (B747s), flowers (B787s) and ships of the Dutch East India Company (B747 freighters).

KLM BOEING 777 AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

KLM BOEING 777 AT AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT

2. LOUNGE

KLM does not have its own lounge at Cape Town International Airport. Instead, its Business Class passengers have access to the Bidvest Premier Lounge. The lounge, which is open from 5 am to 1 am, is located one floor above the main concourse. The Bidvest Premier Lounge was recently refurbished, and features a contemporary decor, with dozens of comfortable seats arranged around an open kitchen. Unfortunately, the space doesn’t have any outside windows, although large floor-to-ceiling windows one on side offer a view of the terminal’s interior. Food at the lounge is quite decent, with a lovely buffet – spread over several counters –  offering a selection of hot and cold dishes. Facilities at the lounge include showers, newspapers, magazines, and free Wi-Fi.

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT: ENTRANCE

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT: ENTRANCE

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT: ENTRANCE

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

BIDVEST PREMIER LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

3. BUSINESS CLASS CABIN

KLM’s Boeing 777s (both the -200ER and -300ER versions) all feature the same Business Class layout, with 34 seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration and spread over two cabins. The main cabin is located in the plane’s front and features 5 rows comprising the bulk of the seats (28 in total) while the smaller cabin is set between the galley and Premium Economy with only one row of just 6 seats. The smaller cabin feels extremely private and to the best of my knowledge, it’s the only Business Class cabin in a wide body aircraft with only one row of seats (correct me if I am wrong please). However, this smaller cabin is situated just ahead of the Premium Economy bulkhead seats, so it may be less appealing to some passengers.

The 2-2-2 layout is ideal for passengers traveling together as a couple, friends or colleagues, but it is not the best when you are a solo traveler as you have to crawl over the legs of your seatmate to reach the aisle when you are allocated in a window seat. Also, the seats lack privacy, although paired seats are staggered by a couple of inches (cm) and separated by a small fixed divider screen, allowing some privacy in case you are seated next to a stranger. As already said, this won’t be an issue anymore in KLM’s retrofitted Business Class cabins, which will feature seats in a 1-2-1 layout with sliding doors.

The cabin’s interior, which is designed by renowned Dutch designer Hella Jongerius, feels fresh, airy and modern. The seat shelfs feature a calming light blue color, while the seats themselves are covered in a dark brown texture, giving the cabin an upscale ambience. As a passenger, you can notice that a lot of effort has been put in the design; for example, the bulkheads’ handles feature the KLM logo in metalwork and the sustainable carpet is specially developed Wilton woven carpet made of Norwegian wool.

Click here for a seat map of KLM’s Boeing 777-200ER.

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS CABIN

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS CABIN

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS CABIN

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS CABIN

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS CABIN

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS CABIN

4. BUSINESS CLASS SEAT (+ BEST & WORST SEATS)

KLM’s Boeing 777 Business Class seat is a B/E Aerospace Diamond seat, the same type you also find on other carriers, such as Qatar Airways’ A330s and Ethiopian Airlines’ A350/B787s. However, a big difference is that the Boeing 777 is wider than all other mentioned aircraft types: the Boeing 777 cabin measures 5,84 m (19 feet 2 inches) from wall to wall, while the A350, for example, is nearly 22 cm (9 inches) narrower than the 777 variant. Consequently, the seats in KLM’s B777 are wider and more comfortable compared to similar seats in other aircraft types (and yes, the difference can be felt). In addition, one of the seat’s arm rests can be manually lowered, offering increased seat width and even more space (especially welcome when the seat is turned into its flat-bed position). The seat’s other arm rest – shared with the paired seat – is a console which holds the seat & entertainment controls as well as the tray table.

In front of the seat is a large 17 inch touchscreen HD TV, which uses Panasonic’s ex3 system  (one of the best in the skies). Below the TV monitor is a drawer (which is large enough to store a laptop) and a leather covered ottoman (which becomes part of the flatbed once the seat is fully reclined). The size of the ottoman differs dramatically depending upon the row: the bulkhead seats in rows 1 & 6 offer a much larger ottoman as compared to the narrow footwells of all the other Business Class seats.

The seat offers plenty of storage space, with a shoe drawer located under the seat in front, a tray situated under the entertainment screen, space below the ottoman for a backpack or handbag, and a storage pocket next to the headrest which also holds a USB port and international power sockets for charging your personal devices.

The seat feels extremely comfortable in the upright position, but even more so in the flat-bed position (and no, I am not sponsored by KLM to say so :-). The seat can be 180 degrees reclined to a full flat-bed that is 206 cm (6 ft and 10 inches) long. Again, your sleep comfort will depend on the seat you choose: except for the bulkhead seats in rows 1 & 6 (which come with large ottomans), the footwells are very narrow, which means you may hit the seat walls with your feet when you turn during your sleep, so not very comfortable for a good night’s rest.

What are the best Business Class seats on KLM’s B777s?

• All Business Class seats are excellent for those traveling with a companion because of the 2-2-2 cabin configuration.
• The bulkhead seats in row 1 & 6 feature a much larger footrest as compared to all other seats, so these are the seats you want to fly (and sleep) in, although proximity to the galley and lavatory may cause some slight noise disturbance from time to time.
• The seats in row 6 are set in their own super private and intimate cabin (which features just one row of seats), and I would heartily recommend them.

What are the worst Business Class seats on KLM’s B777s?

• The 2-2-2 Business Class layout does not make the cabin very attractive for solo travelers, since you will always end up sitting next to a stranger.
• Window seats don’t offer direct aisle access.
• As mentioned above, the footrests are very narrow (except for the bulkhead seats in rows 1 & 6), so not very comfortable for a good night’s rest.

Click here for a seat map of KLM’s Boeing 777-200ER.

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM BUSINESS CLASS SEAT

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS SEAT (FLAT BED POSITION)

KLM B777 BUSINESS CLASS SEAT (FLAT BED POSITION)

5. AMENITIES & BEDDING

Business Class passengers receive the following amenities on one of KLM’s longhaul flights :

• An amenity kit, which is presented as a pouch. The kit is created by successful Dutch fashion designer Jan Taminiau (in 2014 he was awarded the Netherlands’ most prestigious fashion prize the Grand Seigneur). It contains an eye mask, ear plugs, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, and Rituals lip balm & face moisturizer.
• A comfortable pillow
• A stylish and comfortable, marine blue blanket
• Noise cancelling headphones (which can only be powered within the plane and need to be returned to the crew prior to landing)

AMENITY KIT

AMENITY KIT

AMENITY KIT

BLANKET

PILLOW

NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES

6. MEALS

During this overnight flight, two meals were offered: a supper after takeoff and a breakfast before landing.

The beautifully designed menus (with references to Delft tiles and houses) were extensive and offered excellent wine pairings (although I never drink alcohol on a plane to avoid headaches). Another unexpected design detail that KLM get totally right is the stylish and unique tableware. The porcelain, glassware, cutlery, linen and tray have all been designed by Marcel Wanders, a famous Dutch designer. Even the salt and pepper shakers come in the form of clogs, one of Holland’s symbols.

I choose the following selection from the supper menu (all courses were served at once on the same tray, which I liked because of the late hour of meal service, allowing for more sleep):

• Appetizer: selection of delicacies – Babaganoush, quinoa salad with chickpeas, pumpkin, pepper served with yellow rice and cherry tomato with pesto dressing
• Main course: salmon Wellington with saffron creamed leeks
• Dessert: passion fruit mousse, coconut tart, strawberry and almond in a chocolate tartlet

For breakfast, I had blueberry pancakes with vanilla sauce, which was served with a croissant, fresh fruit, salami, gherkin and tomato.

WELCOME DRINK

MENU

MENU

MENU

MENU

MENU

MENU

MENU

MENU

WINE LIST

WINE LIST

WINE LIST

SUPPER

SUPPER

SUPPER

SUPPER

SUPPER

SUPPER

SUPPER

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

7. ENTERTAINMENT

Each Business Class seat is equipped with a large 17 inch high resolution TV screen with bright and clear pictures. The TV can be commanded by directly touching the screen or by using a handheld wired controller which is located in a fixture above the armrest. The controller also features its own small touchscreen, allowing you to watch a different program (e.g. flight map) from the main screen.

KLM offers more than 1000 hours of interactive entertainment in various languages (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Spanish). There are more than 200 films to choose from, including recent releases, classics and world cinema, in addition to hundreds of TV shows, CDs, language courses, games, audiobooks, and a dedicated kids channels.

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

KLM INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

8. ONBOARD INTERNET

KLM offers W-iFi onboard its Boeing 777s and complimentary messaging is available to all passengers during the entire flight. This allows to send and receive text messages via WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat, and similar services, although you cannot send or receive photos, videos, or audio files.

Two other internet packages are available for purchase on KLM’s longhaul flights:

• The Surf Pass is available as 1-hour voucher for EUR 8, or a full-flight voucher for EUR 18. With this pass, you can surf the internet, and send & receive e-mails.
• The Surf Pass costs EUR 18 for the entire flight and lets you surf the internet, send and receive e-mails including (large) attachments, send & receive messages including photos, videos, & audio files, and stream music, audio, & video. The Surf Pass is currently only available on KLM’s B777s and A330s.

ONBOARD WI-FI

ONBOARD WI-FI

ONBOARD WI-FI

ONBOARD WI-FI

9. GIFT: KLM DELFT BLUE HOUSE

Shortly before landing, KLM’s longhaul Business Class passengers receive a wonderful gift: a Delft Blue miniature traditional Dutch house, filled with Dutch gin, also known as “jenever.” Each miniature depicts a real Dutch house. KLM has been presenting Business Class passenger with this gift since 1952. Every year on October 7th, the airline celebrates the anniversary of its founding in 1919 by presenting a new house. Over the years, these miniature houses have become desirable collectors’ items, even generating a lively trade among passengers. KLM has a site where you can keep track of all of the houses, as each one is unique and has a special story to tell.

DELFT BLUE HOUSE

9. OTHER INFLIGHT EXPERIENCES

# CREW: KLM’s cabin crew ranks among my favorite airline crew in the world (together with their colleagues from Singapore Airlines and Emirates). The flight attendants are always super friendly, efficient and seem to genuinely care about the passengers, and it was not different on this flight, with impeccable and courteous service. I also like the oh-so-recognizable KLM cabin attendant uniforms, which are designed by famous Dutch couturier Mart Visser.

# LAVATORY: there are two lavatories onboard KLM’s B777 aircraft for Business Class passengers, both of them located behind the cockpit. The lavatories feature wallpaper with white and blue delft houses, and are stocked with high-end toiletries from Rituals (with scents of Dutch tulips and Japanese yuzu).

LAVATORY

LAVATORY

10. MY VERDICT

• Seat comfort (upright): 8/10
• Seat comfort (bed position): 8/10
• Privacy: 3/10
• Food (quality): 8/10
• Food (quantity): 8/10
• Inflight entertainment : 9/10
• WiFi: 9/10
• Service: 10/10
• Cabin design: 8/10
• Overall experience: very good 8/10

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The post Review: KLM Boeing 777 Business Class from Cape Town to Amsterdam appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today: Top 10 reasons why KLM is my favorite airline

I have been lucky to fly dozens of airlines around the world and to experience (and compare) their onboard premium products, whether that be Business or First Class. When it comes to picking a favorite airline,  travelers always tend to choose one of the Middle East airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, or Turkish Airlines) or an Asian airline (Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, or EVA Air). However, my favorite major airline is KLM Royal Dutch Airline, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, and the oldest operating airline in the world (founded in 1919). I always look forward flying with KLM, in spite of the fact that its aircraft don’t have a cutting edge Business Class product and lack a First Class cabin. I mainly love KLM because the airline stands out by doing things differently, with a lot of personality and with a sense of place by focusing on it Dutch roots and rich history. Here are 10 reasons why I love KLM so much.

Anyone else loves KLM as much as I do? What’s your favorite airline? Leave a comment.

10. AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT (KLM HUB)

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport of the Netherlands, located  just south of its capital Amsterdam. The airport – which handled almost 60 millions passengers last year – is the hub for KLM as well as a major European hub for Delta Air Lines. What makes Schiphol so convenient from a passenger’s perspective is the single-terminal concept, where all facilities are located under a single roof, radiating from a central plaza. Schiphol also offers a wide variety of leisure facilities at Holland Boulevard: you can learn about Dutch art and culture at a free exhibition in a glass pavilion of the world-famous Rijksmuseum, enjoy interactive science-based activities with your kids at Nemo (Amsterdam’s most famous science museum), or curl up with a good book at the airport’s library. For aviation enthusiasts, Schiphol features a large rooftop viewing area, called the Panorama Terras, albeit not accessible to passengers in transit.

9. SAFETY VIDEO

Flight safety is the No. 1 priority for all airlines and it all begins with the flight safety demonstration. Many airlines give these instructions via videos nowadays, and some go to great lengths to make them as attention-grabbing as possible. KLM’s flight safety film is inspired by Delftware decoration techniques and actually represents a piece of art, demonstrating a combination of Dutch design and craftsmanship. The video, which takes place in a traditional royal delft pottery, features more than 1,000 tiles, specially drawn, animated and painted with the utmost precision for this specific purpose. The entire script was first translated into handmade Delftware drawings, which were then painted onto the tiles. Stop-motion video animation was then used to film KLM’s flight safety instructions for passengers, tile by tile.

8. COMPLIMENTARY WIFI FOR MESSAGING

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers inflight Wi-Fi service on both of their European flights and intercontinental flights. Internet connections onboard KLM’s plane are made possible by connecting passenger devices directly to satellites. Passengers get free Wi-Fi for using messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Messenger, and other social media apps. Currently, the free Wi-Fi access is limited to 30 minutes for European flights and 60 minutes for international flights in Economy Class (while there is no limit in Business Class). Besides free messaging, KLM also offers two packages which are available for purchase: Surf and Stream.  Those who want to watch movies should choose Stream, while Surf offers enough data for those who just want to shop online or read news articles. Passengers can purchase the Internet packages via the KLM Portal during their flight. Currently, Wi-Fi is offered onboard all of KLM’s wide body aircraft and selected narrow body aircraft.

7. EXCELLENT ONBOARD FOOD

IMHO, KLM offers above average food onboard its aircraft, especially when flying Business Class. Menus are created by Jonnie Boer, a famous Dutch chef who is known from three Michelin starred restaurant De Librije. Dishes are made with sustainable and traditional Dutch ingredients which could also be found on the menu of restaurant De Librije. For example, during my flights with KLM starters includes tartelette of apple, potatoes, and green asparagus, or a tasting of delicacies (e.g. grilled zucchini in a cream of tahini, chickpea salad, garlic feta, and nut salad), while main courses included baked salmon with broccolini, roasted tomatoes and couscous, or chicken thigh in a star anise gravy served with braised green cabbage and potato puree. The carrier also offers excellent wine pairing, selected by sommelier Thérèse Boer, Jonnie Boer’s longtime partner and co-owner at the De Librije.

6. FLYING BLUE LOYALTY PROGRAM

When KLM and Air France merged in 2005, their frequent flyer programs (Fréquence Plus and Flying Dutchman) were merged into a new loyalty program called Flying Blue. Most airlines within the Air France-KLM family now use Flying Blue, including Kenya Airways (in which KLM is a major shareholder), Aircalin and Tarom. More than 100,000 new members sign up for Flying Blue each month, as it is one of the best frequent flyer programs in the world. With the program, members can earn miles during their trips with Air France, KLM and their partner airlines or when purchasing services from non-airline partners (hotel chains, car rental companies, etc.).  These miles can then be exchanged for plane tickets and in-flight services, or for free services from other non-airline partners.  Miles earned can also be donated to charity (18 NGOs selected by Air France and KLM including WWF, Ocean Cleanup, Close the Gap, Red Cross, UNICEF, Wings of Support, and Giro555.

5. MEMBER OF SKYTEAM

KLM is a member of SkyTeam, one of the world’s three major airline alliances. Founded in June 2000, SkyTeam was the last of the three alliances to be formed, the first two being Star Alliance and Oneworld, respectively. Its annual passenger count is 342 million (2022), the second largest of the three major alliances. As of today, SkyTeam – operates with the slogan “Caring more about you” – consists of 19 carriers from five continents: Aerolineas Argentina, AeroMexico, Air Europe, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Xiamen Airlines. It means that you can earn and spend your Flying Blue miles with dozens of airlines to more than 1,000 destinations in more than 180 countries. SkyTeam offers its elite members also access to more than 750 lounges worldwide.

4. KLM CROWN LOUNGE AT SCHIPHOL                                                                                      

Located between the E and F piers, the massive two-level KLM Crown Lounge at Schiphol Airport ranks among my favorite airport lounges. It has some standout features such as the first Heineken lounge bar, several sleep pods, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the runways. The entrance to the lounge is via an escalator with illuminated glass walls adorned with some 5,000 Delft Blue miniature houses. The beautiful lounge is divided in four Dutch-inspired spaces: the Polder; the Dutch Mountain; the City; and the Sea. They allow passengers to work, relax/sleep, refresh, eat, drink, entertain themselves, or engage in fine dining. The lounge is also home to a pay-for restaurant – called Blue – with a menu compiled by Chef Joris Bijdendijk the Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum (unfortunately, the restaurant closed during the pandemic and has not reopened yet).

3. DUTCH DESIGN

KLM is a Dutch airline, and one that wants to project that image down to its finest detail. Since the 1940s and ’50s KLM has made a tradition of seeking out renowned designers and making use of their talents and insights. There’s so much attention to detail, and here are some examples:

• Marcel Wanders, a famous Dutch designer, has created a line of tableware including porcelain dishes, glassware, cutlery and linens for KLM airline’s in-flight meals in Business Class. The restaurant-quality designs – a riff on traditional Dutch lace, still lifes and delft ware – work as a set, but they are also stand-alone. A highlight are the salt and pepper shakers in the form of a small pair of clogs.
• KLM’s amenity kit is created by successful Dutch fashion designer Jan Taminiau (in 2014 he was awarded the Netherlands’ most prestigious fashion prize the Grand Seigneur).
• KLM pamper its passengers with its exclusive Rituals product line – “The Amsterdam Collection.” Business Class passenger have access to hand foam, hand and body lotion, hair gel, and body mist in the lavatories, and they also receive a stylish set of face moisturizer and lip balm in their amenity kit. The look & feel of ‘The Amsterdam Collection’ is inspired by the design of ‘The lidded vase’ (dated 1695-1700) by the artist Gerrit Pietersz Kam; the vase has been owned by the Rijksmuseum since 1969.  The scents in the line are a reflection of Dutch tulips.

2. DELFT BLUE HOUSES

Shortly before landing, KLM’s longhaul Business Class passengers receive a wonderful gift: a Delft Blue miniature traditional Dutch house, filled with Dutch gin, also known as “jenever” (, distilled by the Bols distilleries). These original Delft Blue miniature houses are real copies of the gable houses alongside the canals in Amsterdam and from time to time for a change also from other historical towns in Holland.. KLM has been presenting Business Class passenger with this gift since 1952. Every year on October 7th, the airline celebrates the anniversary of its founding in 1919 by presenting a new house. Over the years, these miniature houses have become desirable collectors’ items, even generating a lively trade among passengers. KLM has a site where you can keep track of all of the houses, as each one is unique and has a special story to tell.

1. CABIN CREW                                       

Above all, what I like the most about KLM Royal Dutch Airline is the carrier’s fantastic cabin crew.  During each and every flight with the airline – and I have flown with KLM dozens of times – my experience has always been top notch. KLM employs more than 10,000 cabin crew and apparently, the airline is doing a great job in hiring crew with excellent social skills, dynamic personalities and a service oriented mindset. You can always feel the crew’s enthusiasm when they welcome you the moment you step on board the plane. But it doesn’t stop there, as the service remains genuinely warm, helpful and friendly during the entire flight. On a few occasions, I was also greeted in person by the captain or another member of the cockpit crew (just like any other Business Class passenger), another highly appreciated gesture which makes you feel welcome and taken care of.

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Today: Tips to overcome a fear of flying

This may come as a (minor) shock to some of you – since I publish a lot of flight trip reports on this blog and since my YouTube flight videos are very popular – but I am terrified of flying (despite having an absolute fascination for the airline industry and being a frequent flyer). And apparently, I am not alone since it is reported that 25% of people have some fear of flying, while about 1 in 10 people have a real phobia of flying.

While it was not a problem for most of my life, it all changed when I was in my younger thirties and took a transatlantic red-eye flight on Continental Airlines (now United) from Newark to Brussels on a stormy April night. Mid-flight, the Boeing 767-400ER encountered some severe turbulence. I still remember the screams of other passengers (including flight attendants strapped in their seats behind me), the freakingly abrupt plane movements (it did feel like sudden drops of several tens of feet), the crackling and never-heard-before sounds of the aircraft’s interior, the brief interruptions of the inflight entertainment program, the frequently changing tones of the aircraft’s engines during the event, and the terrifying looks in everyone’s eyes. It was horrible, absolutely horrible. It lasted for only 20 minutes, but it felt like hours, and it completely changed the way I feel on a plane.

Since that event, I am one of those guys on the plane that behaves apparently unremarkable on the outside, but is quietly dying on the inside. I uneasily move around in my tight seat every time the planes makes a turn (as if I want to counteract the plane’s movement); I don’t have any appetite during the flight despite being served quite often delicious food in Business or First Class; I think of the most unlikely, worst case scenarios when the captain turns on the fasten seatbelt sign; and I make a prayer before takeoff even if I consider myself to be non-religious. What makes it particularly difficult to cope with my fear of flying, is that my anxiety is very unpredictable, sometimes it’s there and sometimes it isn’t. Over the years, I noticed though that it mostly happens on overwater flights when the plane is cruising hours away from the nearest diversion airport and the civilized world. Apparently, my fear of flying is more related to being at an uncomfortable distance from land (especially in the unlikely case that something would go wrong) than with flying itself.

It has been said many times before: you’re more likely to die in a car accident on the way to the airport than on the plane. While it is certainly true, this reassuring knowledge has not really helped calming my nerves (since I am still not in control of the plane). I’ve read tons of tips on the internet to help alleviate my fear, but I found none of them to be very efficient. Nevertheless, I did succeed in overcoming my fear of flying to some degree by applying my own, not always very conventional strategies to cope with the process of flying, and in this article, I want to share them with you.

If you have any other tip(s) on how to deal with a fear of flying, please leave a comment.

• I try to stick to only a few airlines (British Airways and KLM in my case) for most of my travels, since it makes the flight experience more predictable, hereby easing my nerves. What really helps is that British Airways not only has an inflight video to make anxious flyers like me feel more confident, but also that their professional and highly skilled crew always uses the exact same routine for passenger communications. For example, the flight crew always talks over the intercom to the passengers before take-off and 40 minutes before arrival (no matter how short the duration of the flight may be), and the cabin crew always addresses the passengers following their flight crew colleagues’ announcements. Somehow, this predictable routine (often lacking with other airlines) makes me feel a lot more comfortable.

• This may sound rather controversial, but watching all episodes of the Mayday or Aircrash Investigation series did help me to better understand why flying is so safe these days (they are all available on YouTube). Although this TV show shares the stories of some of history’s most heartbreaking airplane disasters, they do it in a non-sensational way, focusing on the events that led to each disaster and their causes as determined by the official investigation. That is how I learned that one of my biggest fears – a midair collision between aircrafts – is in fact a very irrational thought since most planes are now equipped with technology to prevent these kind of disasters from ever happening again.

• I read articles on the website Aviation Herald, which reports on daily incidents and accidents in civil aviation. This excellent site is run by Simon Hradeck, an Austrian expert in aviation safety. Reading the Aviation Herald, and the comments of airline professionals, made me realize that the aviation industry is indeed one of the safest out there, with multiple layers of protection preventing the aircraft from crashing when something goes wrong. I learned that planes can fly on one engine for hours, that inflight cargo fires can be suppressed, and that smoke in the cabin is a terrifying but mostly harmless event.

• For most, flying Business or First Class is a privilege and pure delight. The premium cabins offer flatbeds, delicious food, and excellent service. In addition, the ground experience is much better, with priority check-in, fast lanes at security check points, and access to lounges. For me, the main advantage is that flying Business or First Class offers a less claustrophobic environment, with enclosed suites where I can quietly and discretely cope with my stress without being disturbed and watched by others. From a nervous flyer’s perspective, flying Business or First is so much better and different compared to Economy or Cattle Class, since the latter brings up the worst in one’s behavior, substantially lowering the stress and anxiety thresholds of everyone in that cabin.

• I used to drink alcohol and/or take sleeping pills on a plane, with just one goal in mind: falling asleep as fast as possible so that I would not have to endure the flight in a conscious state of mind. However, I learned the hard way that this did not help at all: the pills and alcohol made me feel mentally cramped and exhausted (since I could not fall asleep anyway) and at one time, I even developed onboard hallucinations because I took too many sleeping pills (I observed plenty of green extra-terrestrial creatures crawling over the airplane seats). Since then, I refrain from drinking alcohol or taking medication on a plane, and it paid off as I not only regained my tranquility in the skies, but also learned to fall asleep the natural way for a couple of hours during most of my longhaul flights.

• Cruising in the darkness of the night worsens my fear of flying, probably because I like to be aware of my spatial surroundings by looking out from the airplane’s window (which somehow gives me peace of mind). So, I always try to avoid overnight, redeye flights, although there’s often no choice (such as on USA to Europe routes, where most flights take place at night).

• Although I realize very well that turbulence cannot bring down a plane (and never has), it still scares the hell out of me every time it happens. Only watching a Youtube clip like this one gives me cold sweats. I know, I shouldn’t be watching this kind of stuff at all, but it is stronger than myself. Nevertheless, I always find it very comforting when the captain upfront announces that we will pass through a pocket of rough air since somehow, the anticipation of a turbulent situation makes it way better to cope with it. In addition, before flying, I always have a look at the website Tubulence Forecast, which offers a tool that gives an estimate on how turbulent your flight might be. Just don’t use it a justification to cancel or alter trips, rather use it as a tool that makes the occurrence or absence of turbulence on your flight a more predictable – and thus less frightening – occurrence.

• If possible, I try to get a seat directly over the plane’s wings since this part of the plane always experiences reduced levels of turbulence intensity: the wings keep the plane flying smoothly, while the roughest spot in turbulent air is usually the plane’s far aft — the rearmost rows closest to the tail.

• As I mentioned above, flying over vast masses of water – hundreds of miles away from a diversion airport – makes my mind running wild and thinking about disaster scenarios that are very unlikely to happen, such as an inflight fire, loss of navigation systems, dysfunction of weather radar systems in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, or engine trouble in a twin-engine plane. However, I did read a lot about flying overwater, and as such, gained some non-expert knowledge of overwater ETOPS flights, which are subject to stringent requirements (a somewhat reassuring thought when I have to cross an ocean). The term ETOPS stands for “Extended Range Operation with Two-Engine Airplanes, although some also smilingly refer it to as “Engines Turn Or Passengers Swim”. As outlined on this very informative Wikipedia page, ETOPS certification is a two-step, highly controlled process, where irregularities would immediately lead to a downgrade or suspension of the ETOPS capabilities of an airline:
  • First, the airframe and engine combination must satisfy the basic ETOPS requirements during its type certification. Such tests may include shutting down an engine and flying on the remaining engine during the complete diversion time. Often such tests are performed in the middle of the ocean. It must be demonstrated that, during the diversion flight, the flight crew is not unduly burdened by extra workload due to the lost engine and that the probability of the remaining engine failing is extremely remote.
  • Second, an airline who conducts ETOPS flights must satisfy their own country’s aviation regulators about their ability to conduct ETOPS flights, which involves compliance with additional special engineering and flight crew procedures in addition to the normal engineering and flight procedures. Pilots and engineering staff must be qualified and trained for ETOPS.

• The one thing that helped me the most to overcome my fear of flying is to have something else to focus on while flying. That is why I started taking photos and clips during my flights in the first place, and publish them afterwards on my blog and YouYube channel. That they became so popular has somewhat complicated my story, since I now feel a motivation to publish even more trip reports (and thus fly more).

• Last but not least, I don’t board airlines with a poor safety ranking. I always avoid flying one of the carriers listed on the European Union’s black list. The latter represents a list of (unsafe) airlines banned within the EU. In addition, I always inform myself about the safety reputation of an airline on the website Airline Ratings. Although I realize very well that ranking airlines according to safety is a very delicate and highly discussed debate, it always reassures me a lot when my airline has an excellent safety reputation.

Enjoy the weekend and stay tuned for Monday when I reveal a new top 10 travel list.

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Last February, I enjoyed a sublime holiday that I will remember as my most epic journey ever: a trip to Cape Town (South Africa) and Antarctica (the 7th Continent). You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: KLM Boeing 787 Business Class from Amsterdam to Cape Town
• Review: One&Only Cape Town, South Africa
• Review: The Silo Hotel Cape Town, South Africa
• Review: Private Airbus A340 First Class flight from Cape Town to Antarctica
• Review: Echo Camp by White Desert, Antarctica
• Review: Trip to the South Pole & Emperor penguins
• Review: Private Airbus A340 First Class flight from Antarctica to Cape Town (today)
• Review: KLM Boeing 777 Business Class from Cape Town to Amsterdam

Today: First Class flight from Antarctica to Cape Town in a private Airbus A340 jet

Last February, I visited Antarctica with White Desert, the first operator taking guests into the rarely seen interior of Antarctica and managing Antarctica’s only luxury camps. This is my review of the return flight from Antarctica to Cape Town, a 5 hour and 30 minute journey in First Class onboard an Airbus A340 that was privately chartered by White Desert and operated by Hi Fly. Hi Fly is a fully certified airline with two air operator certificates, one issued by Portugal and the other by Malta. The A340 airframe that flew us back to Cape Town was built in 1997 and used to fly for Singapore Airlines (1997-2004) and later Emirates (2004-2013), before joining the Hi Fly fleet.

Since I’ve already published a detailed review of the outbound flight here (Cape Town to Antarctica), I decided to write this trip report in a somewhat different format, summarizing my flight experience from start to end, illustrated by dozens of photos. You can watch my YouTube video with my impressions during the return flight (including a phenomenal take off scene) here:

Have you ever traveled to Antarctica? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

• Flight route: Wolf’s Fang Runway to Antarctica
• Airline: Hi Fly
• Aircraft type: Airbus A340-300
• Aircraft registration number: 9H-TQZ
• Departure time: 7 pm
• Arrival: 10:30 pm
• Miles: 2300 miles (4630 km)
• Flight time: 5 hours and 30 minutes
• Seat: 1K
• Class: First Class

After an unforgettable week in the great outdoors of Antarctica’s Queen Maud Land, our time in the White Continent was coming to an end. The White Desert staff picked us up in a 4×4 Arctic truck and took us to Wolf’s Fang runway, a short 15 min drive through an otherworldly landscape. At Wolf’s Fang, a tented lounge – decorated in the style of the early explorers – was available, where we could wait a little while the plane was being loaded with cargo. The lounge provided a haven of comfort and warmth amidst Antarctica’s unforgiven climate.

LOUNGE AT WOLF’S FANG

LOUNGE AT WOLF’S FANG

After a short wait in the lounge and playing some board games with my travel companions, it was time to board the aircraft. The staff accompanied us on the short 15 min stroll from the lounge to the plane. I wished the short hike would have taken longer since the view of the massive Airbus A340 against a backdrop of jagged mountains and glacial icefields was beyond spectacular, unlike anything I had ever seen before. There was quite some activity on the airfield, since the return flight carried more passengers compared to the outbound flight. The passengers were a mix of White Desert guests & staff and scientists of a nearby research center who were leaving the continent as winter approached.

HI FLY AIRBUS A340

HI FLY AIRBUS A340

HI FLY AIRBUS A340

White Desert’s camp guests were seated in the First Class cabin, which still featured the old Emirates cabin design with lots of gold and wooden trims.

FIRST CLASS CABIN

FIRST CLASS CABIN

The First Class seat, while old, was still very comfortable and had loads and loads of leg room but nonetheless felt dated compared to today’s First Class seats. A monitor – displaying the flight route – was hidden in the seat’s center armrest while the seat’s other armrest held the tray table, the seat controls and a handheld remote.

FIRST CLASS SEAT

FIRST CLASS SEAT

FIRST CLASS SEAT

After boarding was complete, the doors were closed and it did not take long before we took to the skies. The takeoff roll on Wolf-Fang blue ice runway felt surreal (and bumpy) and the scenery right after lift off was breathtaking. The plane made a U-turn, allowing us one last glimpse of the White Continent, before we climbed through a thin cloud layer and proceeded in one direct line to Cape Town, a journey of 5 hours and 30 minutes across the Southern Ocean.

VIEWS AFTER TAKEOFF

VIEWS AFTER TAKEOFF

VIEWS AFTER TAKEOFF

Shortly after takeoff, the crew handed out hot towels to refresh a little.

HOT TOWEL

A tablet was provided to each passenger (with a small selection of movies and documentaries) as well as noise cancelling headphones. The Airbus A340 was not equipped with WiFi.

HI FLY TABLET WITH INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

HI FLY TABLET WITH INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

HI FLY TABLET WITH INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

HI FLY TABLET WITH INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

HI FLY TABLET WITH INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Dinner service started about 45 minutes after takeoff, while we left the shore of Antarctica behind. The menu read as follows:

MENU

MENU

As a starter, an antipasto platter was served with breadsticks and charcuterie.

STARTER

As a main course, I choose braised beef shirt rib on sweet potato puree with roasted courgettes & carrots.

MAIN COURSE

Chocolate malakoff was served as desert.

DESSERT

After dinner, it was time for a nap. The angled lie-flat First Class seat allowed a recline to a near 180 degrees, and the Hi Fly cabin crew provided a pillow and blanket.

FIRST CLASS SEAT (BED POSITION)

FIRST CLASS SEAT (BED POSITION)

The flight from Antarctica to Cape Town was remarkably smooth (no turbulence at all), which was also the case for the outbound (Cape Town to Antarctica) flight. I was expecting a lot of turbulence on both flights (since Antarctica is surrounded by a belt of stormy weather) but fortunately, that proved not to be the case. It allowed me to stretch my legs as often as I wanted, and also gave me the opportunity to explore the plane’s other cabins.

The 42 Business Class seats were assigned to White Desert staff and guests who had booked a daytrip to Antarctica.

HI FLY AIRBUS A340 BUSINESS CLASS

Meanwhile, the scientists from some of Antarctica’s research centers were having a party in the front Economy Class cabin, celebrating the end of their mission on the White Continent.

HI FLY AIRBUS A340 ECONOMY CLASS

I also checked out the lavatories, which were equipped with Charlotte Rys toiletries (a South African luxury brand).

LAVATORY

LAVATORY

The sun was setting as we approached Cape Town.

SUNSET

The plane landed at the city’s international airport at 9 pm local time, after which it was time to say goodbye to my travel companions and White Desert’s amazing staff.

AIRBUS A340 AFTER LANDING IN CAPE TOWN

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The post Review: Private Airbus A340 First Class flight from Antarctica to Cape Town appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today: Top 10 most thrilling travel adventures in the world

Every discerning traveler has a bucket list with their ultimate things to see & do around the world – from staying at iconic resorts and dining at the world’s best restaurants to taking in the planet’s most famous sights and exploring tropical islands. But not everyone dreams about relaxing on idyllic beaches and doing nothing when going on holiday. Some of us need adrenaline and excitement when traveling around the world. Adventure holidays offer a unique way of exploring the planet while also getting out of our comfort zone and testing our own physical limits. My selection of the 10 best travel adventures in the world – a mix of hikes, extreme sports and wildlife sightings – are guaranteed to thrill and give you plenty of stories (and photos) with your friends and family back home.

Think I missed one? Share your favorite travel adventure in the comments.

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10. BUNGEE JUMP IN NEW ZEALAND

In the 1980’s, a couple of young kiwis, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch, set up New Zealand’s first commercial bungy jumping operation, with a jump from the historic Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown. Since then, New Zealand has become the home of bungy and for many visitors, bungy jumping in the country has almost become a rite of passage and a must-do travel adventure. All over the country you can leap from bridges, climbs, rail viaducts, specially made platforms perched on the edge of cliffs, and stadium roofs. The best spot is the South Island though, which not only has the country’s oldest bungy jump experience at AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bridge, but also has the highest jump at an incredible 134 m (440 ft) plunge at Nevis Bungy – which are both in the Queenstown area.

9. SURF THE WORLD’S LARGEST WAVES IN PORTUGAL

Europe’s largest and deepest undersea canyon is found just off the coast of Nazaré (Portugal). It has a maximum depth of 5,000 m (16,000 ft) and explains why the waves in this part of the world are so big and so high breaking, often as tall as 6-story apartment buildings. Since 2011, the Big Wave Challenge in the iconic Praia do Norte has caught the eye of the world and Nazaré became a world-famous surf destination. It was here on 29 October 2020 that German Sebastian Steudtner set a world record for the biggest wave ever surfed (a 26 me or 86 ft monster). This activity is only for the brave of course, but even non-surfers will get a thrill out of watching the surfers on the giant and powerful waves. Besides Praia do Norte, Nazaré also has spots and waves accessible to all athletes.

8. CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO IN TANZANIA

One of the most visited sites in Tanzania, the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is home to Africa’s highest mountain peak, about 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) from its base to 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) above sea level. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the Kilimanjaro is also the world’s tallest freestanding mountain; it’s standing there all by itself in a plain without being part of a mountain range. Unlike other national parks and game reserves in Tanzania, the Kilimanjaro is not visited for the wildlife but for a chance to stand in awe of this majestic snow-capped mountain and, for many, to climb to the summit. While you do not have to be an expert climber to conquer the mountain (just regularly fit), do not take the exhausting climb – which takes at least 5 days – lightly.

• Other accolades: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro also features in my top 10 list of the best things to see & do in Tanzania.

7. WALK WITH GRIZZLY BEARS IN ALASKA’S KATMAI NATIONAL PARK

This may sound like an insane idea, but it is not, at least not in Katmai National Park, a remote and pristine wilderness area in the heart of wild Alaska, where giant coastal brown bears do not consider humans as a prey nor as a treat due to the abundance of food nearby and a 100+ years long wildlife protection program. A scenic flight in a small aircraft, followed by an exhilarating beach landing, will take you to the legendary meadows of Katmai National Park, where you will observe the bears in their natural habitat, and even walk amongst them with an unarmed guide. If this sounds like more stress than you can cope with, there are other locations (in Alaska and British Columbia) where you can spot these incredible animals in the wild from protected and secured observation platforms.

• Other accolades: walking with grizzly bears also features in my top 10 list of the best things to see & do in Alaska.

6. RAFT THE ZAMBEZI RIVER IN ZIMBABWE

Representing the world’s greatest curtain of falling water, Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Columns of spray can be seen from miles away as, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two km (1,2 miles) into a gorge over one hundred m (328 ft) below. The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges, a site commonly known as the most magnificent white water rafting corridor on earth!  Names of rapids like Stairway to Heaven, The Terminator, The Washing Machine, Judgement Day,  Devils Toilet Bowl and Oblivion, give you a small insight of what to expect on this thrilling travel adventure.

5. GO HOT AIR BALLOONING OVER NAMIBIA

If you want to ponder how insignificant we really are, then hop into a hot air balloon and quietly absorb the unparalleled bird’s eye views of Namibia’s phenomenal desert landscape. Awake just before dawn and venture out to the launch site near Sossusvlei in the heart of Namib’s desert landscape, then float up peacefully into the sky as the sun rises. Enjoy spectacular views of jagged mountain tops that emerge from shifting dunes and soar over a landscape that has remained untouched for millions of years. After a gentle landing, as is customary with any balloon flight, an “Out Of Africa” style Champagne breakfast is set up in the middle of nowhere. Your pilot will also present you with a flight certificate before you take a leisurely nature drive back to the meeting point.

• Other accolades: hot air ballooning over Namibia’s desert landscape features in my top 10 list of the best things to see & do in Namibia.

4. HIKE THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU IN PERU

Without any doubt, Peru’s greatest attraction is the mist-shrouded Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which was only discovered in 1911 and is believed to have been used by the Incas as a secret ceremonial city. No matter how many times you have seen a photograph of the iconic Inca ruins, nothing prepares you for the sense of awe that this magical place elicits in its Andes mountain setting, clinging as it does to rock and jungle. And there’s nothing like the satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu on one’s own two feet, which is why the incredibly scenic, 5-day Inca Trail should be on every one’s bucket list. The iconic trail ends at the Intipunku sun gate, where hikers can watch the sunrise over the surrounding mountain peaks as the day’s first rays of soft light hit and illuminate the world-famous ruins.

3. TRACK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN RWANDA

Tracking the endangered mountain gorilla through the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, is one of the most unique, memorable and life-changing travel adventures one can undertake in a lifetime. The best place for gorilla trekking is Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park’s headquarters, which is home to twelve habituated gorilla groups. Only eight visitors are allowed per gorilla group each day, and to minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. Typically, tracking can take from one to ten hours and requires some level of fitness since the hikes goes through dense jungle vegetation up steep and often muddy slopes.

• Other accolades: tracking mountain gorillas also features in my top 10 list of the best things to see & do in Rwanda.

2. VISIT ANTARCTICA

Antarctica is the ultimate travel adventure on the bucket list of many travelers. Whether you’re drawn to Antarctica’s unique fauna & flora, its legendary reputation or its sheer isolation, you will find nothing like the planet’s most remote place, never mind seeing it with your own eyes. The coldest, driest, and windiest place in the world, Antarctica’s desolate, frozen landmass also is the closest most people will ever get to be on another planet without leaving Earth (unless you’ve already booked your ticket on the Virgin Galactic shuttle). Two centuries after its discovery in 1820, Antarctica remains almost as elusive and mythical as during the days of its earliest exploration, and those travelers lucky enough to visit the White Continent talk about an unforgettable, life-changing experience with otherworldly landscapes and beguiling wildlife.

1. SWIM WITH WHALES IN FRENCH POLYNESIA

Humpback whales are seasonal visitors to French Polynesia. From early August to the end of October, the giant animals are abundant in the clear and warm waters around the archipelago as they search for a mate or nurse their young. French Polynesia declared itself a Marine Mammal Sanctuary in 2002 offering protection to all of the 20 species of whales and dolphins found here. It is also one of the few countries in the world where it is allowed to swim with whales. Several tour operators offer whale watch boat tours, hosted by a team of marine biologists and naturalist guides. Tourists are only allowed to enter the water with humpback whales after a biologist on board has observed their surface activity and deems it safe and non-invasive for both the guests and the whales.

• Other accolades: swimming with whales features in my top 10 list of the best things to see & do in French Polynesia.

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Today:  Travel contests & sweepstakes: win luxury holidays!

Every first Friday of the month, you can win exclusive holidays in my pick of the best luxury travel contests & sweepstakes on the internet. These contests are weekly updated on my travel blog here, so check back regularly.

In this issue: win Business Class tickets to anywhere in the world as well as luxury trips to Paris, London, the Maldives, Antarctica, Australia, Mexico and the Caribbean (amongst others.

• Win a luxury stay in Paris, France. The grand prize is a five-night hotel stay in Paris whereby the winner can pick from three iconic hotels: sumptuous Cour des Vosges, eclectic Brach or daring Sinner. The winner can choose to stay at either two or all three and also linger over a delectable dinner at Nolinski Paris.
  • Eligibility: open to all
  • End date: May 10, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

• Win two Business Class tickets to anywhere in the world. The winner will receive two complimentary Business Class tickets from anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world. The tickets will be booked by BusinessClass.com AS on behalf of the winner following agreement on origin, destination and dates. Each ticket may have a maximum value of €2,500 including taxes and surcharges.
  • Eligibility: open to all
  • End date: December 31, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

• Win a trip for two to the Maldives. The grand prize is a voucher for four nights half board for two adults in a water pool villa at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.
  • Eligibility: open to residents of Europe
  • End date: May 8, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

• Win a luxury five night stay in the Maldives. The grand prize is a five-night stay for two at Reethi Beach Resort Maldives, including daily breakfast. Note: the prize does not include transfers or international travel.
  • Eligibility: open to all
  • End date: May 31, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

• Win a hotel stay in London, United Kingdom. The grand prize includes a two night stay for two people in a premium room at Great Scotland Yard Hotel,, including breakfast and also a Champagne Afternoon Tea. 
  • Eligibility: open to all
  • End date: May 31, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

• Win a hotel stay in the Cotswolds, United Kingdom. The grand prize includes a two-night stay in an opulent suite at Tewkesbury Park with a bottle of Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs on arrival in the room, bed and breakfast and two nights dinner.
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  • End date: May 31, 2023
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• Win a holiday to the United Kingdom. The grand prize includes international flights, two nights in London, tickets to some of the capital’s top sights, gourmet dining, theater tickets, four nights in the picturesque Cotswolds, and an annual pass to Blenheim Palace.
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• Win a trip to Australia. The grand prize is a free holiday to Australia’s Northern Territory for two people up to the value of AU$25,000 (£14,368), departing anytime before July 2024. From exploring Darwin’s harbourside delights, to camping in wildlife-loaded Kakadu, hiking in Litchfield National Park and diving into one of its waterfalls, or canoeing Nitmiluk Gorge, Australia’s Northern Territory is spectacular in every way.
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  • End date: not stated
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• Win a cruise to Antarctica. The grand prize is  a 10-night expedition cruise for two people to discover the Antarctic Peninsula. Return flights from London are included.
  • Eligibility: open to UK residents
  • End date: August 28, 2023
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• Win a holiday to Grenada, Caribbean. The grand prize is a four-night stay for two guests in one of the sleekest hotels in the Caribbean, Calabash Grenada. The prize includes a stay on a bed and breakfast basis in a deluxe suite, airport transfers, afternoon tea, a spa treatment, and a £1,500 flight voucher.
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• Win a holiday to Mexico. The grand prize includes a seven-night holiday for two at the five-star luxury all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, with return flights.
  • Eligibility: open to UK residents
  • End date: May 28, 2023
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• Win a holiday to British Columbia, Canada. The grand prize is a 14-day holiday to British Columbia, Canada to explore the province’s foodie stars. The prize will follow the North America Travel Services ‘BC Culinary Connoisseurs’ itinerary, which includes two return Economy Class tickets from London to Vancouver and 14 days car rental.
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  • End date: May 28, 2023
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• Win a retreat on the island of Santorini, Greece. The grand prize is a three-night stay in one of this summer’s hottest new Greek island openings – Santorini’s Santo Mine Oia Suites. Flights from UK airports to Santorini are also included up to a total cost of £500.
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  • End date: June 2, 2023
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• Win a trip to Ireland. The grand prize includes two roundtrip standard Economy Class airline tickets from any USA Aer Lingus gateway to Dublin, Ireland compliments of Aer Lingus,  2 return transfers from Dublin Airport to Belfast, and 4 night’s accommodation in Belfast with breakfast each morning.
  • Eligibility: open to USA residents
  • End date: May 8, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

• Win a trip to Antigua. The grand prize includes a five-night, all-inclusive stay for two adults at The Verandah Resort & Spa, including daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & afternoon tea, unlimited drinks by the glass (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), resort activities, water sports, land sports, entertainment, and more! (valued at $4,000).
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  • End date: May 19, 2023
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• Win a David Attenborough-inspired Wildlife Adventure for one. Play the How David Attenborough Are You game and – no matter how many, or few, countries you’ve been to – for a chance to win one of three incredible, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife holidays. Whether you fancy zipwiring through the trees in Costa Rica and taking a boat trip looking out for sloths and monkeys, visiting the stunning Orkney Islands off Scotland and coming face to face with puffin colonies, or visiting Madagascar, walking through rainforests and ticking off the many species of lemur – the choice is yours.
  • Eligibility: open to UK residents
  • End date: May 31, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

• Win an UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference League Final Experience. The grand prize includes a pair of tickets to UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference League Final, flights to Budapest or Prague, two nights 5* hotel accommodation, and transport to and from the airport and stadium.
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  • End date: May 15, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

• Win a luxury holiday to the Seychelles. The grand prize includes a seven-night half-board stay for two at the luxurious Constance Ephelia resort, resort Economy Class flights courtesy of Seychelles Tourism, Staysure travel insurance up to £150 per person and £500 to pack your bags with Crew.
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  • End date: June 5, 2023
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• Win a family getaway to the Dominican Republic. Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda, the Dominican Republic’s premium all-inclusive retreat, is giving Condé Nast Traveller readers a chance to win a week-long family holiday (seven nights). The winning family (two adults and up to two children) will fly from the UK to the Dominican Republic and check into Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda. Michès is a gorgeous area of this Caribbean country, set on the northeast coast, known for its waterfalls, protected beaches, azure bays and beautiful mountains.
  • Eligibility: open to UK residents
  • End date: June 3, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

• Win a holiday of your choice worth €15,000. The CEWE Photo Award is a photo competition free to enter and open to anyone over the age of 18. Your photos will be judged by a panel of recognised industry experts, journalists and professional photographers. There are ten different categories for you to submit your greatest photos to, all under the slogan “Our world is beautiful”. The grand prize is a holiday of your choice worth €15000, €7500 of photography equipment, €2,500 in CEWE products, and an award presented to you personally at a special awards ceremony in Germany.
  • Eligibility: open to all
  • End date: May 31, 2023
  • Enter the travel contest: click here

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Today: Top 10 best things to see & do in Antarctica

Antarctica is the ultimate journey on the bucket list of many travelers. Whether you’re drawn to Antarctica’s unique fauna & flora, its sheer isolation or its legendary reputation, you will find nothing like the planet’s most remote place, never mind seeing it with your own eyes. The coldest, driest, and windiest place in the world, Antarctica’s desolate, frozen landmass also is the closest most people will ever get to be on another planet without leaving Earth (unless you’ve already booked your ticket on the Virgin Galactic shuttle). Two centuries after its discovery in 1820, Antarctica remains almost as elusive and mythical as during the days of its earliest exploration, and those travelers lucky enough to visit the White Continent talk about an unforgettable, life-changing experience with otherworldly landscapes and beguiling wildlife (count me in). Here’s my top 10 list of the best things to see & do during a trip to Antarctica.

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I forgot an attraction? Leave a comment.

Click to view slideshow.*** Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Antarctica with my online Antarctica travel guide ***

10. TRAVEL TO ANTARCTICA BY CRUISE SHIP

The most common way to travel to Antarctica is by ship from South America, usually Ushuaia (Argentina) or Punta Arenas (Chile). Departing from Ushuaia is by far the most popular route to take when going to Antarctica, as this port city is located closer to Antarctica than Punta Arenas, hence less time is spent traveling to Antarctica and more time is spent on the continent itself. These trips – ranging from 9 to 30 days – involve a crossing of the iconic Drake Passage, a journey which takes about 2 days (one way) along one of Earth’s roughest seas (with waves that can be up to 18 m or 60 ft tall). Several companies as well as some more-traditional cruise line offer expedition cruises to Antartica. The two most luxurious options are Silversea Cruises – which travels to Antarctica with its brand new ultra-luxury expedition vessel Silver Endeavour – and Cookson Adventures – which cruises to Antarctica with Legend, a former Russian icebreaker completely overhauled and refitted by ICON Yachts in 2015.

9. MAKE A STOP-OVER ON THE SUB-ANTARCTIC ISLANDS

Even though the White Continent has more than enough attractions to fill any expedition program, it’s common for Antarctica cruises to make landfall on two sub-Antarctic islands during their itineraries: the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. These overseas territories of the UK – located halfway between Argentina and Antarctica  – are great sea life and birdwatching locations shelters, especially South Georgia because of its overwhelming numbers of breeding penguins and seals. For example, the island is home to 450,000 pairs of King penguins, which is about half the world’s population. The colony on South Georgia also boasts the largest nursery of baby Kings on the planet and is often referred to as the largest crèche in the world. Many people who head to the South Georgia have kKing penguin watching in mind (the second largest penguin species in the world), but the island is also home to  3 million breeding pairs of Macaroni Penguins, the largest penguin population in the world.

8. VISIT A SCIENCE RESEARCH STATION

Being the most remote place on earth, scientists from around the world flock to Antarctica to perform a lot of cutting edge research. There are currently 70 permanent research stations scattered across the White Continent, which represent 29 countries from across the planet. Together, these countries, or ‘signatories’ of the Antarctic Treaty, are committed to the preservation and conservation of the White Continent. McMurdo Station, operated by the USA, is the largest and most famous Antarctic station, while Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth Station is the most modern and the only zero emission polar research station. Due to its geographic location, the most visited center is Vernadsky Station, a former British research base transferred to Ukraine in 1996. Named after Russian and Ukrainian mineralogist Vladimir Vernadsky, this station is located on Galindez Island and boasts a lounge that serves as the ‘Southernmost Bar in the World’, as well as a post office where visitors may send mail from Antarctica.

7. SPOT WHALES

Antarctica is the perfect place for close encounters with whale. Humpback whales are the most abundant whale species in the icy waters around the Antarctic Peninsula. They, along with millions of penguins, seals, seabirds, and other whales, feed primarily on Antarctic krill during the Austral summer months (November to February) and there are few displays as exciting on an Antarctica cruise as a humpback whale lobtailing right in front of the boat. Watching the whales from a cruise ship gives you a better viewing angle, but small guided zodiac excursions can get you closer to the action and allow you to follow a pod as the whales breach and dive together beneath the snowy sky. Seeing humpback whales in Antarctica is also a powerful symbol of their resiliency. Hunted to the brink of extinction before the International Whaling Commission intervention in the 1960s, humpback whales in the Southern Ocean have rebounded and returned to their historical feeding grounds around Antarctica.

6. KAYAK AROUND ICE BERGS – OR SCUBA DIVE UNDER THEM

Few things will get you closer to Antarctica’s rugged scenery than kayaking. In a kayak, you can get away from the noise of the motorized vessels and enjoy the spectacular landscape in a pure way while keep a steady rhythm with your paddles. You’ll see marine life, crystal clear waters and shimmering icebergs that turn the water beneath you a brilliant blue. You may even spot some local wildlife, and when you’re lucky, you may encounter a humpback whale breaching right next to your kayak. If you’d rather see Antarctica’s natural treasures from an underwater perspective instead of from a kayak, consider polar scuba diving. Scuba diving in Antarctica is not for beginners as it’s both technical and challenging, and it’s for everyone as some be turned off by the cold weather and lack of modern aids in Antarctica( such as decompression chambers). Nonetheless, true diving enthusiasts who want something off the beaten track will be dazzled by the White Continent’s exotic wildlife and the raw underwater beauty.

5. LAND ON A BLUE ICE RUNWAY IN A CHARTERED JET

White Desert is the first and only operator taking guests into the rarely seen interior of Antarctica. The flights from Cape Town, South Africa, to Antarctica are operated in privately chartered jets – either a Gulfstream G550 or an Airbus A340 – and take around 5 hours. Both planes have wide oval windows, which offer incredible views of the icebergs of the Southern Ocean. The last part of the flight is extremely scenic as the giant aircraft slowly descends over the magical Antarctic landscape on its way to Wolf’s Fang runway, a blue ice runway overlooked by one of the most magnificent and iconic mountains on the entire continent, named ‘Wolf’s Fang’ by the early Norwegian explorers. Guest can book the flight as a day trip (with three hours on the ground in Antarctica) or opt to stay at one of White Desert’s luxury camps in Antarctica (with activities including hiking, abseiling, fat biking, and trips to the South Pole & Emperor penguins). Read my review of White Desert’s A340 flight to Antarctica here.

4. SCALE AN ANTARCTIC SUMMIT

The Antarctic continent lies on a large landmass, almost completely covered with ice and snow. Underneath that smooth ice sheet – which can be up to 4 km (2.5 mi) thick – are thousands of mountains and valleys. Only in a few places do these mountain peaks break through Antarctica’s ice sheet and one such place is the Holtedahl Mountain Range, a collection of spectacular peaks in Queen Maud’s Land, creating an otherworldly landscape unlike any found elsewhere on Earth. With White Desert, travelers can reach the base of these mountains, either by 4×4 Arctic truck or by walking across a glacier (or by a combination of both). Under the care of expert mountain guides, taking advantage of 24-hour sunlight and with the right gear (thin ice axes and crampons), beginners and experienced hikers alike can summit a peak where few humans have stood before. These nunataks (summits or ridges of mountains sticking out of an ice field or glacier) have creative names such as Cheesegrater, T-Rex, Shark’s Fin and Snowbird Mountain.

3. STAY AT A LUXURY CAMP

Pioneering luxury travel in Antarctica, White Desert is the only company with 3 luxury camps on the 7th Continent: Echo, Whichaway and Wolf’s Fang. Each camp offers luxuriously appointed accommodation and hosts up to 12 people who can savor gourmet meals, enjoy a sauna with view of the glacier, or sip cocktails made with 10,000 year old ice. All three White Desert’s camps have been designed to be dismantled, leaving no trace on the Antarctic landscape.

• Whichaway is a collection of cutting-edge pods with breathtaking views across the freshwater lakes of the Schirmacher Oasis. The pods’ exteriors are constructed using cutting-edge materials whilst the interiors have an old-world feel that conjures up images of Antarctica’s rich heritage of exploration through sumptuous textures and thoughtful design. The rest of the camp comprises a shower pod (with two hot/cold running water showers), kitchen and three communal pods that make up the reception, lounge and dining room, as well as a yoga pod and a sauna. Read my review of Echo here.
• Echo is White Desert’s brand-new camp, inspired by astronauts and used by explorers. Accommodating up to 12 people in 6 state-of-the-art, “Sky Pods”, the camp is situated at the base of the Henriksen Nunataks, which are mountain peaks that project through the glaciers. Futuristic and luxurious, the six bedrooms are created from composite fibreglass with floor to ceiling windows allowing guests to soak in the moon-like landscape beyond. The rest of the camp comprises a central shower unit, a kitchen, dining and lounge pod
• Wolf’s Fang is White Desert’s adventure base for the modern-day pioneer. The 6 state-of-the-art Arctic tents have been built using cutting-edge materials whilst the interiors hark back to the polar exploration of old, using leather, canvas and quotes from explorers as inspiration. Wolf’s Fang is designed to function as an expedition base camp during season for guests if needed and a launch base for our Expedition Clients looking to create their own Antarctic exploration journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pxy9RJRWAM

2. FLY TO THE SOUTH POLE

A highlight of an Antarctic adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Geographic South Pole, one of only two stationary points on our rotating Earth. At exactly 90 degrees of latitude, the South Pole represents a place where there is no more east, south or west – as the only direction is simply north! An excursion to the South Pole is offered as part of some itineraries with White Desert. The first part of the journey is a 5-hour flight in a Basler BT-67 at 3,000m (10,000ft) above the ice, offering sensational views of the High Polar Plateau. After the 5 hour flight, there will be a stop for one hour to refuel at Dixie Camp and then it’s  another 2 hours of flying to the South Pole itself. There is a true sense of remoteness at this point where, for as far as the eye can see, the white horizon meets the pure blue sky. The American Amundsen-Scott research station is the backdrop to this most exceptional place, whose discovery ranks as one of the greatest feats of human The Amundsen-Scott exploration ever known.

1. VISIT THE ICONIC EMPEROR PENGUINS

Emperor penguins have the upright and regal bearing that their name suggests as they are the largest of all penguins by a considerable margin. There are about 40 colonies of Emperor Penguins, all of them found around the coast of the Antarctic continent (one of them – a colony of 28,000 birds at Atka Bay – can be visited with the team of White Desert). Breeding begins in autumn when the sea ice becomes thick enough to support the thousands of penguins that gather. During the long, dark winter months, the male penguin carries a single egg on his feet until it hatches, while the female hunts out at sea. While incubating their eggs during the long winters, male Emperor penguins form ‘huddles’ to protect themselves from the harsh weather conditions along the coast that see temperatures drop to -50°C and winds of 200km/h. Towards winter’s end, the chicks hatch and stay on their parents’ feet for almost 2 months. Only 20% of the chicks will survive their first year.

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